New Mission President

Thursday we said goodbye to President and Sister Sartori and welcomed President and Sister Schwab.  When leadership changes it is natural for everyone to be excited - which is no reflection on prior leadership...just a normal enthusiasm to see what the new leader will do.  Couple that with the recent worldwide broadcast from Salt Lake City on changes in the missionary program and we have a pumped up missionary force excited to meet the new leaders and see what exciting changes they bring.

The flight from the US to Saratov is exhausting and it takes a day or two to recover.  Today we were interviewed by President Schwab and invited them to dinner which they readily accepted...they've been unpacking all day and haven't gone grocery shopping yet.  We really enjoyed getting to know each other.  Also in the attached picture are Elder and Sister Olsen - from Camas, WA - our new office couple who will replace the Connells in a few weeks.  The Schwabs are one the left of the picture and the Olsens in the center.  

It is a great blessing to "happen" to be here when they arrived and to get the privilege of meeting them.  It is apparent that they are the right leaders for the Russia, Samara mission...we're excited to see what the future brings!